Li3N: A promising Li ionic conductor

Abstract Li 3 N is presented as one of the best solid lithium electrolytes available today. Its outstanding advantages are simple preparation of crystalline as well as sintered material, stability in moist atmosphere because of a protecting surface layer, stability with elemental lithium metal up to its melting point of 813°C, high Li-ion conductivity of the order of 10 −3 Ω −1 cm −1 at ambient temperature with negligible partial electronic conductivity, and a high decomposition voltage due to a strong kinetic hindrance of the decomposition reaction. Additional work has to be focused on optimization of the Li 3 N sinter preparation and on the kinetics of potential electrodes which can be used for a lithium-based battery with an Li 3 N electrolyte.